This 8 second video was recorded from Google Maps, and shows that even in the relatively remote Michigamme Highlands there has been change over the last few decades. Some of the change is seasonal, some from camera angles. Some change is not natural. Most notably you see the Eagle Mine pop up. Using fun communications tools we can show change, present basic data and enable decision making.
We want to help MIFO better conserve the Michigamme Highlands through science-based communications support. More specifically we aim to:
We will work to compliment current MIFO efforts, recognizing a fair amount of science and communications work has already been completed.
Additionally, by bringing in the Conservation Data Lab we will mentor students.
Michigamme Highlands highlighted in green.
We aim for any output to be simple and easy to digest. Audiences may include internal non-science TNC staff, board members, potential donors and the public as appropriate.
There are multiple decisions facing MIFO regarding the Michigamme Highlands–questions around “how many acres?”, “which acres?”, “how much should we pay?” and “what would we need to do with the acres we conserve?”. Further, there are significant fundraising needs and prioritization of potential restoration. In general we need to support messages including:
These messages are kind of like historical fiction, not necessarily true, but inspired by real conversations.
Basic forest patterns, change and restoration needs.
Using R and other tools we can create interactive charts that encourage exploration such as this “Chord Diagram”
The diagram below from the Potomac River Watershed in Maryland was used to show differences in ecosystem mapping. We have also used this type of diagram to show levels of conversion.
Hover and play. Labels, colors, size, etc. can be customized.
It’s often important to show change. In the interactive Sunburst Chart below you can explore changes in Michigan’s forest. You can learn that ~54% of Michigan used to be hardwoods, and further that 20% of Michigan that was once hardwood forest has been converted to agriculture.
Bar charts are useful for showing amounts of things. They can be more informative if attractive and interactive like the chart below representing historical forested ecosystems of Michigan.